Motif Number 1
Posted: June 28, 2023 Filed under: Uncategorized 19 CommentsI’ve been sketching on my own in Cape Ann, MA, for many years, but it’s always been a dream of mine to share this wonderful area with students. Last week my dream came true. Thanks to Jess at Slow River Studio, I was able to sit on T-Wharf and paint this iconic scene with not one but two very talented groups of sketchers!
On the first day that we went out it was overcast and blustery, but somehow we didn’t notice the cold. We were too busy trying to figure out what red to use to paint Motif Number One. (Alizarin Crimson and Burnt Sienna was my mix, in case you are wondering.) At high tide, a fishing boat was docked in front of Bradley’s Wharf, likely dropping off some fish at Roy Moore Lobster Co. Some of us were able to quickly add it to our sketches.
I love seeing all the Motif sketches together. There’s a reason they call this “the most painted building in America”. It’s so much fun to draw.
The second group of sketchers had a sunnier (and warmer) day on the wharf, and we got to paint some shadows on the building.
Everyone’s interpretation is a little bit different but there’s no mystery as to what the focus is in each of these! Thanks to everyone who was there with me last week. It was an unforgettable two days on T-Wharf.
Both sketches are beautiful in their own way. Lucky you and lucky students!
Thanks Tony. Yes, we all felt lucky to have spent those wonderful days together.
Love the colors you used to “brighten up” the scene! Love this!
Thanks Lori!!
How wonderful to see all of your sketches, similar, but with a unique styles. Thank you for sharing your day. We are enjoying this with you.
I loved seeing all of those sketches together too!! Thanks for having a look!
Love all the versions of Motif #1!!!
Thanks Joan!!
A fabulous experience! Still working on filling my sketchbook from the weekend.
Denise, it was so wonderful to have you there!!
Thank you for sharing your love of art with us through out the year. I hope to also paint this harbor icon someday.
Thanks so much Pat!!
It was a wonderful experience, and I learned so much!
You have added so much life to this sketch, Shari.
Thanks Ruth!
Beautiful sketchers!!!! Wish I was there with you all. If you were to sketch it with a waterproof fountain pen and ink…..and then add color ….what fountain pen and waterproof ink would you use? Does waterproof ink come in cartridges?
Linda, for this one I used a waterproof marker. I’m sure that was what I used in Montana too. I use Pitt Artist pens, or Micron pens, or sometimes a Platinum Carbon pen and platinum ink in a cartridge. That ink is waterproof.
Thanks for posting the photo of your students’ work! I love seeing all the different sketches; it makes me feel creative when I see different ways of interpreting the scene, emphasis, color choices, etc.
When I went to Rockport a few years ago, I wasn’t familiar with it at all, but as soon as I saw that red shed in the harbor I thought, “Ooh that’s iconic, must sketch”. Imagine my surprise when I learned it has a nickname (duh!). I was quickly brought up to speed – I even saw a vanity license plate in the area that said “Motif1”.
I’m glad you enjoyed seeing the sketches Betsy, and happy that you got to see the famous Motif Number 1!